Harbes Family Farm To Offer New Attractions, Events

Springtime heralds new beginnings, and at Harbes Family Farm, a full slate of new arrivals, attractions and events are planned for the coming season.

Coming up at the Harbes' Mattituck farm this year are family friendly features including a display of the Three Little Pigs' houses, dog shows and new animal shows. The new attractions will complement Harbes' favorites, including Goat Mountain, Bunnyville, pig races, corn mazes, U-pick apples and pumpkin picking. Wine tastings will continue this year at all three Harbes' wine-serving locales.

So far this year, the farm has been filled with activity, including seed planting, greenhouse work, a newborn goat born in March and the uprooting and replantation of a peach orchard, to make room for additional apple trees.

"We're welcoming the warming days that will bring the magical 50-degree soil temperatures that initiate germination for our main crops," general manager Ed Harbes, a 13th generation Long Island farmer, said. "Spring plowing has started, which was preceded by compost application to amend the soil. Once the sweet corn seeds are in, we'll be about 90 days away from harvesting. We have plenty of things to keep us busy until then."

Three event weekends are scheduled, too: The Harbes Spring Fair takes place on May 11 and 12; the Harbes Farm Fest is slated for June 15 and 16; and the Harbes Sweet Corn Festival is scheduled for July 13 and 14.

For a full schedule of events, click here. 

Harbes Farm barnyard manager April Rocchetta. worked with her border collie, Angie, throughout the winter to sharpen her skills.

"This dog is simply amazing," Rocchetta said. "One day Angie was anxious and wouldn't return to her pen, then bolted off into the fields. One of our sheep had wandered off and nobody noticed -- except Angie. Angie herded her home. It will be a thrill for kids to meet Angie and the other dogs, see them in action, and play toss with them during our Spring Fair." 

Free events at Harbes' Spring Fair also nclude: "Flower Talk for Kids," where children can learn about sowing seeds, planting, composting, photosynthesis and plant care. Each child will plant a flower that they can take home.

"What's All the Buzz About Bees?" will feature Laura Klahre from Blossom Meadow Honey Farm; Klahre will talk about the importance of bees and show visitors an observation hive.

Working border collies will also be on display, and the "Wonderful World of Wool," presented in conjunction with the Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, will demonstrate how wool goes from sheep to sweater. Kids can get up close to the animals and will have a chance to handle wool and create fiber beads to take home.

"It's an exciting time. We'll be adding a few surprises throughout the season," Harbes said. "We look forward to another great year."